MTN Nigeria Launches Eco-Friendly SIM Cards to Combat Plastic Waste and Climate Change

MTN Nigeria has introduced a new eco-friendly SIM card initiative to reduce plastic waste and fight climate change. This launch marks a significant step in the telecom company’s efforts to embed sustainability into its core operations, contributing positively to the environment.

Speaking at the launch event in Lagos, Tobe Okigbo, MTN’s Corporate Services and Sustainability Officer (CSSO), emphasized the company’s commitment to minimizing its environmental footprint. “We are committed to making sure our impact on the environment is reduced,” Okigbo stated. “Sustainability is not just about reducing our carbon footprint; it’s about remaining in business, contributing to society, and ensuring a sustainable future for everyone.”

MTN’s new SIM cards, made from biodegradable materials, aim to address the environmental challenges posed by traditional plastic SIM cards. With more than six billion SIM cards produced globally each year, about 18,000 kilograms of plastic waste is generated annually. As Nigeria’s mobile subscriber base is expected to exceed 200 million by 2025, the switch to eco-friendly SIM cards could help curb the anticipated rise in plastic waste in the country.

Adekemi Adisa, MTN’s General Manager for Sustainability and Shared Value, highlighted the broader impact of plastic pollution and the benefits of switching to biodegradable SIMs. “The pollution from plastic SIM cards extends beyond what we see on land. When you look at our rivers and oceans, the impact is clear. By switching to biodegradable SIM cards, we reduce this environmental damage and lower our carbon emissions,” Adisa explained.

The eco-friendly SIM cards are part of MTN’s larger Project Zero initiative, which focuses on decarbonization and implementing renewable energy solutions. According to Adisa, this initiative is more than just a new product launch; it is a strategic shift toward sustainability in all aspects of MTN’s operations. “This is not just a standalone project,” she added. “We are embedding this approach into our operations, from SIM cards to routers and other devices. And when these SIM cards reach the end of their lifecycle, they are biodegradable, unlike traditional plastic SIMs.”

Oluwole Dada, General Manager at Secure ID Limited, praised MTN’s eco-friendly initiative, stressing the importance of such innovations in tackling the global plastic waste crisis. “The UN estimates that 300 million tons of plastic waste is generated globally each year, with less than 10 percent being recycled. MTN’s move is a significant step in addressing this crisis, especially within the telecommunications sector,” Dada remarked.

MTN has already made the new eco-SIM cards available, encouraging its subscribers to adopt the sustainable option. The company believes that each eco-friendly SIM card is a step toward a greener planet and aligns with Nigeria’s broader environmental goals. With this initiative, MTN is positioning itself as a leader in reducing the environmental impact of the telecom industry in Nigeria and beyond.

Adisa stressed that this effort aligns with MTN’s commitment to support a circular economy by focusing on waste reduction and recycling. “Our goal is to promote sustainability across all our operations, ensuring that our contributions to the environment are lasting and impactful,” she said.

MTN’s initiative reflects a growing awareness within the corporate world about the need to tackle environmental challenges through practical solutions. As the telecom giant continues to roll out its eco-friendly SIMs, it hopes to inspire other companies and customers to join in the effort for a more sustainable future.